Spanish Socialists strike coalition deal

Pedro Sánchez, the leader of Spain's Socialists, is a step closer to becoming prime minister after his party on Tuesday struck a deal with a potential coalition partner.

Sánchez accepted a demand from the center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) for reform of the constitution as a condition for joining a coalition government. Ciudadanos wants to reduce political influence over the judiciary, cut the maximum term of office for a prime minister to eight years — there is currently no maximum — and allow the public to submit petitions asking lawmakers to reconsider proposed laws.

“We are at the gates of a pact between two relevant political forces ... and it will be a good base to lead a politics of change,” said Sánchez.

Ciudadanos' leaders will meet on Wednesday morning, when they are expected to formally decide on joining a Socialist-led coalition.

The Socialists came second in December's national elections, behind the Popular Party of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. But the PP failed to secure a majority and Rajoy lacks the political support to form a government.

Sánchez would like a stronger coalition, with the far-left Podemos (We Can) as a member. However, Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias has said he won't do business with Ciudadanos.

“It's a no, we're not going to support it,” Iglesias said Tuesday evening.

Sánchez said he was willing to keep pushing for a more stable coalition. “If there is a will for change, there is a will for an agreement,” he said.